Not Just Money

09 Which money stories make us broke?

Stories are powerful. Stories are sticky. Stories can make or break us. Do we ever ask ourselves if the stories that define us are even true? When do our stories become limiting factors to what we can or cannot achieve? It's time to challenge the narratives that no longer serve us. It's time to rewrite, reclaim, and redefine our stories. 
Join Doretta and Li as they unravel their own stories and how they shape their relationship with money. It's time to (re)write your story because there may be a better plot line to your life.

08 Why your New Year's money resolution will fail

It's that time again, that arbitrary line in the sand that closes one year and starts another. Many folks will be pressured to make and state their New Year's resolutions. How many will see them through? Honestly, not many. Join Doretta and Li as they talk about why our resolutions are destined to fail and what you can do to change that destiny.

07 Starting money conversations with kids

As parents, we are prepared to have THE talks with our kids but does that include money? Whether you're ready or not, you're their first lessons around money. Kids are already observing you, internalizing your attitudes, and modelling your behaviour. It's time to make those learnings intentional. It's time to start talking to your kids about money now. The journey will be bumpy, uncomfortable, and maybe even a little awkward, but it's a road you want to be on as a parent.

06 How to avoid the holiday money traps

The holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of year so why do so many of us feel an overwhelming sense of stress leading up to the big day and definitely feel the holiday hangover after? We can't help you with the family drama but we can help you deal with your holiday spending!
This year, say yes to prioritizing joy. No to blowing your budget.  How?  By leading with your values, not your wallet.
 

05 How come you never feel richer?

Lifestyle creep.  
When your income goes up but you never feel wealthier, because your shopping cart develops delusions of grandeur.  Slowly, almost stealthily, every purchase costs more, and it’s not inflation.  It’s upgrades on autopilot.  
Join Doretta and Li as we explore  ways to stop creep from robbing your future security.

04 Money basics #3 How to avoid debt

Debt, like fog, creeps in on little cat feet. It’s pretty much impossible to manage day to day live without its convenience (think credit cards) but it can spin out of control with breakneck speed. And not all debt is bad. Well used, it can be a critical tool to realize your dreams. But Canadians are getting more and more comfortable with large amounts of debt…more comfortable that is, until you find yourself in trouble, and then it’s a nightmare.
We talk about it all, good debt, bad debt, avoiding consumer debt, but even more importantly getting out of the debt that leaves you awake all night staring at the ceiling.  
Links:
If you need help:  https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/debt/debt-help.html
HELOCs: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/home-equity-line-credit.html#toc0
Student Loans: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid.html
 

03 Money basics #2 The tricks to budgeting

This one is about whys and hows of budgeting. We’ll talk about the power of budgeting, share some stories of how we learned to do it, and some pro tips to get you started on your own budgeting journey.
Don’t hide from the B word! Budgets aren’t about denial. Budgets are about intentionality. They are about understanding how to manage your money so you can spend on what matters to you most. It’s about putting you in the driver’s seat.
Join us to discover budgeting hacks and how to own your budget. Because budgeting is a critical step to living your best life.
Links  
Monthly budget worksheet: https://www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca/worksheets/monthly-budget-worksheet/  

02 Money basics #1 Saving Money: How do you start?

To help you get the most from our Not Just Money conversations, we’re starting with a short series of money basics.  Think of them as foundational building blocks.  We’re starting with saving.  Because saving is the beginning of a healthy relationship with money. 
Maybe saving sounds boring to you.  Or something you just can’t do.  Or it’s impossible right now.  It’s not, you can, and it isn’t.   Saving is about focusing on your goals and values to make your best life possible. Start now, start small, build the habit. Join us as we explore the whys and hows to get you started.